parks
Man drowns at Lake Ann Park in Chanhassen after kayaking without life jacket
By Jeff Wald at FOX 9 KMSP (FOX)
· July 6, 2026
· 1 min read
A 36-year-old Eden Prairie man drowned at Lake Ann Park after entering the water from a kayak without a life jacket, prompting renewed calls for water safety, according to the Carver County Sheriff's Office.
Why this matters in The Minneapolis
The tragic incident at Lake Ann Park in Chanhassen is a stark reminder of the dangers that exist in the Twin Cities' many lakes and waterways. As the region's residents flock to these areas for recreation, the need for vigilance and adherence to safety protocols becomes increasingly crucial. In Minneapolis , where numerous lakes and parks offer similar opportunities for kayaking and other water activities, the risk of accidents is ever-present. The city's own parks and recreation department has long emphasized the importance of wearing life jackets while engaging in water sports, and this incident serves to reinforce that message. As summer approaches and more people take to the water, local authorities will likely ramp up efforts to educate the public about water safety, and residents would do well to heed these warnings to avoid similar tragedies in Minneapolis' own parks and lakes.
About this story
Original reporting by FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) . The Minneapolis surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: parks ·
Published: July 6, 2026 ·
Source: FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A 36-year-old Eden Prairie man drowned at Lake Ann Park after entering the water from a kayak without a life jacket, prompting renewed calls for water safety, according to the Carver County Sheriff's Office.
When was this published? This article was first published on July 6, 2026 by FOX 9 KMSP (FOX) and curated for The Minneapolis readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Jeff Wald at FOX 9 KMSP (FOX). To learn more about how The Minneapolis selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more parks coverage from The Minneapolis, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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